Deutsche Börse, a prominent financial institution, is currently exploring the possibility of launching an initial public offering (IPO) for its ISS STOXX division. This division encompasses various businesses, including the STOXX index operations and ISS’ data services in governance, ESG, corporate solutions, and market intelligence. The decision to consider an IPO is part of a dual-track process being evaluated by the Deutsche Börse Group.

ISS STOXX was established in November 2023 through a collaboration between Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) and Qontigo’s index business, which includes the STOXX and DAX indices. With an 80% ownership stake in ISS STOXX, Deutsche Börse is contemplating strategic options to enhance value creation, with a potential IPO being one of the avenues being explored. General Atlantic, a private equity firm, holds the remaining 20% stake in ISS STOXX.

During the group’s annual press conference in February 2025, Stephan Leithner, the CEO of Deutsche Börse, highlighted the intention to either acquire General Atlantic’s shares or proceed with an IPO for ISS STOXX. Emphasizing the significance of ESG data for investors, Leithner expressed confidence in the long-term viability of ESG-related initiatives despite recent political headwinds in this space.

The Investment Management Solutions (IMS) segment, overseen by Christian Kromann, includes ISS STOXX and software provider SimCorp, catering primarily to institutional investors. Deutsche Börse has observed positive growth within this business unit, particularly in securing new clients such as TRS, PSP Investments, and the State of Wisconsin Investment Board.

Leithner underscored the importance of institutional investors, such as pension funds and asset managers, in driving Deutsche Börse’s strategic goals. The integration of SimCorp with Axioma, a US-based risk modeling provider, has proven successful, contributing significantly to the group’s revenues.

Looking ahead, Deutsche Börse aims to advance its Horizon 2026 strategy, focusing on retail investments in ETFs, crypto products, and wealth management offerings. Leithner also highlighted the group’s migration to cloud computing, enhancing data security and fostering innovation through collaborations with industry giants like Google, Microsoft, and SAP.

Furthermore, Deutsche Börse’s digital asset platform, D7, has facilitated the issuance of securities worth over €10 billion, positioning the organization at the forefront of digital innovation in capital markets. The company’s trading platform, 360T, continues to exhibit robust growth, underpinning its position as a reliable revenue generator.

In conclusion, Deutsche Börse’s strategic initiatives, including the potential IPO of ISS STOXX and its focus on ESG data and institutional investor services, underscore its commitment to driving innovation and growth in the financial services sector.